Most folks picture Corfu as the Durrells’ playground, thanks to those well-loved family stories. But when I finally set foot on this Greek island, I realized there’s so much more—layers of culture, beauty, and flavor that the Durrells never even hinted at.
Gerald Durrell’s childhood adventures and the hit TV series brought Corfu into the spotlight. Still, I swear the island’s real magic comes alive in its Venetian architecture, secret coastal villages, and little surprises like those famous kumquats you’ll find in every market.
Corfu can absolutely enrich the Durrell narrative, but it also stands on its own. Wandering through olive groves and along the same rocky paths that inspired Gerald’s love of nature, I felt drawn in—not just by the stories, but by the island’s vibrant, ongoing life.
I started with the Durrells’ old haunts from the 1930s, but soon found myself drifting into quiet bays and villages where time seems to slow down. There’s a blend of Greek and Italian influences here that goes way beyond any one family’s memories.
Retracing the Durrells in Corfu
Gerald Durrell’s stories from his childhood in the 1930s really forged a lasting link between Corfu and its visitors. The Durrells’ four years here left a trail of places and cultural quirks that still shape how people explore the island.
Rediscovering the Locations from the Memoirs and TV Series
I tracked down many of the spots Gerald described in his memoirs. The White House in Kalami, for example, used to be home to Lawrence Durrell, Gerald’s big brother. It pops up in the books and in the TV show The Durrells.
Corfu Town’s old fortress and harbor come up often in Gerald’s tales. I wandered those same streets, and now there are even guided tours that take you right to the places the Durrells knew.
The TV series filmed all over the island. Some scenes line up with the family’s real-life locations, while others just look great on camera.
Key Durrell locations on Corfu:
- Kalami (White House)
- Corfu Town harbor area
- Various villa sites scattered across the island
- Local beaches from the books
You can grab a self-guided app tour these days. These digital guides pull quotes from Gerald’s writing to help you track down the actual spots he loved.
Following the Durrell Family’s Footsteps in the 1930s
The Durrells arrived in Corfu in 1935. Gerald was just 10, Lawrence was 23, and they stayed until 1939 when war forced them to leave.
They moved between several houses. Gerald’s mother, Louisa, picked Corfu partly because it was cheaper than England.
Gerald spent most days out in nature, collecting insects and reptiles. Those wild adventures shaped his future as a naturalist and storyteller.
The family mingled with both Greek locals and a tiny British community. Gerald wrote about real people like Dr. Stephanides, who taught him about the island’s wildlife.
Lawrence Durrell wrote his own Corfu book, Prospero’s Cell, which gives an adult’s view of the years Gerald described as a child.
The Cultural Impact of the Durrells on Corfu Tourism
Gerald Durrell’s books basically put Corfu on the map for travelers. His trilogy introduced readers to the island’s quirky charm.
With the TV series The Durrells, even more people started coming. Local tourism folks say interest in Durrell-related sites has soared since the show aired.
I noticed plenty of hotels and restaurants now lean into their Durrell connections. Some even serve dishes straight out of the books.
Impact on modern Corfu tourism:
- Specialized Durrell tours and guidebooks
- Literary tourism focusing on the family’s story
- More visitors at particular sites
- Businesses using the Durrell legacy in their marketing
2025 will mark 100 years since Gerald Durrell’s birth, so interest is only picking up. New ebooks and digital tours let travelers dive into the family’s Corfu journey in fresh ways.
Corfu’s Timeless Beauty: From Olive Groves to Venetian Villas
Corfu’s landscape tells its own stories—ancient olive trees, crumbling Venetian mansions, and those wild chessboard fields that stretch across the valleys.
Stunning Olive Groves and Wildflower Meadows
Corfu’s got about 4 million olive trees. Many of them have stood here for over 500 years.
These are the tallest olives in Greece. Walking among them, I honestly felt tiny.
The groves stretch across the island, especially near the coast. Local families still gather the olives each fall.
The “lianolia” olive is Corfu’s pride and joy. Different villages use their own harvesting tricks based on how tall the trees grow.
Every spring, wildflowers explode between the groves—purple, yellow, white. The silver-green leaves and bright petals make for a view you won’t forget.
Locals told me their ancestors measured wealth by olive trees. The Venetians pushed olive farming big time in the 1700s.
Venetian Villas and Their Enduring Legacy
Corfu Town wears its Venetian past like a badge, with pastel buildings lining narrow lanes. UNESCO protects the old town’s architecture.
I found villas scattered across the countryside too. Some have weathered blue shutters, iron balconies, and overgrown gardens.
A few are beautifully restored, others have peeling paint and wild vines. Both add real character.
The Venetian touch isn’t just about buildings. It shaped the whole look of the island—winding stone streets, hidden squares, odd little corners.
Venetian rule lasted from 1386 to 1797. That’s a long time to leave your mark.
Chessboard Fields and the Island’s Natural Wonders
From up high, you can spot Corfu’s chessboard fields. They’re small plots divided by stone walls and hedges, like a giant checkerboard.
Each square grows something different—vegetables, grains, or sometimes just goats grazing. The pattern is centuries old, passed down as families split up their land.
Those geometric fields create one of Corfu’s signature views. If you hike or drive the mountain roads, you’ll see what I mean.
Pine forests cover the hills above, and rocky coasts frame the farmland below. The mix of neat fields and wild nature gives Corfu its unique vibe.
Iconic Durrells’ Landmarks and Literary Locations
The Durrells’ homes turned into legends thanks to Gerald’s books and the TV show. These three villas each tell a different part of their island story.
The White House at Kalami Bay
The White House is probably the most famous Durrell address on Corfu. Lawrence Durrell lived here with his wife Nancy in the late 1930s.
I found this crisp white villa perched above the sparkling waters of Kalami Bay.
Lawrence wrote about it in “Prospero’s Cell.” Now, you can actually rent the place and stay in the same rooms where he once wrote.
Key Features:
- Direct access to Kalami Bay’s pebble beach
- Classic Greek architecture and sea-facing balconies
- Lawrence’s old writing desk
The bay hasn’t changed much since the 1930s. Fishing boats still bob in the water, and tavernas along the shore serve up fresh seafood just like they always have.
Exploring the Daffodil Yellow Villa
The Daffodil Yellow Villa was the Durrells’ second home here. Gerald described it in vivid detail, and those bright yellow walls really stand out.
I learned this villa marked a happier chapter for the family. They’d settled into island life by then.
The big garden gave Gerald space for his bug hunts and animal collecting.
Notable aspects:
- Wide grounds for nature adventures
- Traditional Corfiot style with Venetian touches
- Sweeping views of the Ionian countryside
From here, beaches and countryside were just a short walk away. Gerald found endless inspiration for his stories.
Adventures at the Strawberry-Pink Villa
The Strawberry-Pink Villa was another stop on the family’s Corfu journey. As a kid, Gerald was enchanted by its quirky color and the adventures he found nearby.
This villa sits in a more rural spot, surrounded by olive groves and wild fields. It gave the family more privacy.
Gerald spent hours here, exploring and discovering new creatures.
Distinctive features:
- Bright pink walls
- Big terraces overlooking the groves
- Easy access to the countryside
The Kontokali area, where the TV show recreated one of their houses, really captures the mood of these family homes. The show’s filming locations help you get a feel for the real Durrell experience.
Beyond the Villas: Corfu’s Coastal Villages and Scenic Bays
Honestly, Corfu’s heart beats in its quiet coastal villages and hidden bays, far from the tourist crowds. These spots offer peaceful beaches, old fishing harbors, and abandoned mountain villages that whisper stories from another era.
Pontikonisi and Mouse Island
I hopped on a boat from Kanoni Peninsula to Pontikonisi, or Mouse Island. It’s a tiny green dot in a bright blue lagoon.
At the top, a white chapel peeks through the cypress trees. Climbing those old stone steps, I reached the chapel and took in the views across the water.
A few fishermen explained the island’s name—it’s small and mouse-shaped from above. I wandered the narrow paths for a while, just soaking up the quiet.
The best photos come from Kanoni’s viewing platform. I went early for the soft morning light and fewer people.
Exploring Kontokali’s Beaches and Harbors
Kontokali sits along a sheltered bay about 6 kilometers north of Corfu Town. It’s a sweet spot for families or anyone who prefers gentle waves.
The marina mixes luxury yachts with local fishing boats. I strolled the harbor wall, watching fishermen mend their nets in the afternoon sun.
Kontokali Beach Features:
- Shallow, warm water for swimming
- Beach bars with fresh seafood
- Water sports rentals
- Free parking along the coast
Lunch at a family-run taverna right on the sand hit the spot. My grilled octopus came from the very boats I’d watched come in that morning. The family’s been running this place for three generations.
Hidden Corners of Old Perithia
Old Perithia is tucked up in the northern mountains. I drove winding roads through olive groves to reach this half-forgotten stone village.
Most residents left in the 1960s, chasing jobs in town. Now, just a handful of tavernas open in summer.
I roamed the crumbling houses, wild herbs growing through the floors. The village sits 400 meters above sea level, and from the old church square, I could spot Albania’s mountains across the water.
Two restored tavernas serve mountain food. I tried bourdeto fish stew and local wine under the plane trees, the only sounds coming from goat bells on the hillsides.
Kumquats and Corfiot Flavors: Local Tastes Inspired by the Island
Corfu’s food scene really revolves around the kumquat—a golden little fruit that arrived here more than a hundred years ago. You’ll spot its influence everywhere, from old-school sweets to liqueurs and the dishes you find tucked away in family-run tavernas.
The Story Behind Corfu’s Famous Kumquats
Sydney Merlin, a British botanist, brought the kumquat to Corfu back in the 1920s. The name actually comes from a Chinese phrase for “golden fruit.”
Merlin inherited his father’s estate in Dassia and, after bouncing around America and Asia, he decided to plant this punchy citrus in Corfu’s soil.
Now, you’ll find over 6,000 kumquat trees scattered across the island. Kumquats seem to love Corfu’s Mediterranean weather.
People here eat kumquats whole—yep, the peel too. They’re surprisingly low-cal and packed with fiber and antioxidants.
But let’s be honest, what really put kumquats on the map is the kumquat liqueur. Locals soak the fruit in vodka, gin, or brandy, and the result is this vibrant orange drink that’s become a Corfiot classic.
Traditional Dishes and Island Sweets
It’s wild how many local foods feature kumquats. Beyond the famous liqueur, bakeries whip up kumquat preserves and jams that go perfectly with a strong morning coffee.
Traditional kumquat treats you’ll find:
- Kumquat spoon sweets (whole fruits in syrup)
- Kumquat marmalade
- Candied kumquat bites
- Kumquat syrup drizzled over desserts
Island sweets often mix kumquats with honey and nuts, a nod to Corfu’s patchwork of Italian, French, and British influences.
Kumquats bring a zesty kick to creamy desserts. That sweet-tart flavor cuts through the richness in a way that just works.
Some producers even make kumquat-infused olive oil and vinegar. These little bottles show how the fruit weaves its way into daily Corfiot cooking.
Where to Savor Authentic Corfiot Cuisine
If you’re hunting for the real deal, Corfu’s old town is the place. The narrow streets are packed with family-run shops, each selling their own homemade preserves and liqueurs.
Best spots for kumquat tasting:
- Traditional distilleries tucked in old town corners
- Local tavernas with kumquat desserts on the menu
- Specialty shops near the Liston promenade
- Village producers dotted around inland Corfu
Try stopping by in the morning when shops put out fresh samples. Some producers offer tastings of different kumquat liqueurs—just don’t rush it.
Food tours often swing by kumquat distilleries. You’ll get a peek at how everything’s made and, of course, plenty of samples.
From November through March, markets fill up with fresh kumquats. That’s when the fruit is at its juiciest and most flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ever since The Durrells series aired, people keep asking about the real family, how true the show is, and which Corfu spots they can actually visit. I get it—the show sparks some serious wanderlust.
What are the key themes explored in the series The Durrells in Corfu?
At its heart, the series is about family and growing up together. Louisa, a widowed mom, moves her four kids to Corfu and tries to settle into a new world.
Nature takes center stage, especially with Gerald’s obsession with animals. His adventures bring Corfu’s wild side to life.
Community and friendship matter, too. The Durrells make friends with Greek neighbors, learning the ropes of island life bit by bit.
There’s a sense of freedom running through the story. The family leaves behind England’s stiff rules and finds space to be themselves on Corfu.
How accurate is the portrayal of the Durrell family’s life in Corfu in the TV series?
The show takes some creative shortcuts. Producers have admitted they changed timelines and condensed events to fit the story.
The real Durrells lived in Corfu from 1935 to 1939, moving between Kontokali, Kalami, and Perama. The series mostly shows just one house.
Some family members and relationships get left out or simplified. Gerald’s books leaned into the funny stuff and skipped heavier topics.
But the island itself? The show nails the setting and local culture. They filmed a lot on location, and the landscapes really do match Gerald’s descriptions.
Can I find the complete series of The Durrells in Corfu on any streaming platforms?
The Durrells aired on ITV between 2016 and 2019, running for four seasons and 26 episodes. Most seasons have six episodes, except for season three, which has eight.
Right now, Netflix carries the full series in several regions. Other streaming platforms might have it too, depending on where you are.
If streaming’s not your thing, you can buy or rent the show on various digital platforms. It’s worth checking your local services, as availability changes.
What has been the audience’s response to The Durrells in Corfu since its release?
People really took to the show. Its gentle humor and gorgeous scenery won over a lot of fans.
Viewers looking for true stories and family drama found plenty to enjoy. The Greek backdrop drew in a whole crowd of travel lovers, too.
Critics pointed out the show’s loose grip on history, but most folks didn’t mind. For many, it’s just a cozy, family-friendly escape.
How does Beyond the Durrells brochure the cultural and historical aspects of Corfu?
Corfu in the 1930s felt like a different world. No electricity, hardly any modern comforts, and most homes lacked proper bathrooms.
A solid British community had settled here. English families found life much cheaper than back home.
Island traditions shaped everyday life. The Durrells got to know their Greek neighbors and picked up bits of local culture from them.
Back then, Corfu’s wild spaces were mostly untouched. No airport yet, and wetlands and wildlife areas stretched out just as nature intended.
What are some notable places in Corfu that the Durrell family frequented or mentioned?
If you’ve ever read about the Durrells’ adventures, you’ll probably recognize the White House in Kalami. The family spent the most time there, soaking up the sea views and village life. These days, it’s a cozy spot to grab a meal or stay overnight—honestly, it’s hard not to imagine them wandering around while you’re there.
They actually started out in Kontokali, which sits just north of Corfu town. Lawrence and Nancy set up their first home there, tucked away from the busier parts of the island.
I remember reading about Perama and thinking how perfect it sounded for a budding naturalist. The Durrells settled near the Agia Kyriaki area, where the wetlands practically buzzed with life. Gerald must’ve loved poking around Halikiopoulos lagoon, always chasing after some creature or another.
Mon Repos Palace pops up in both the books and the TV series. The old town of Corfu makes frequent appearances too, with its winding streets and colorful characters.
And then there’s Lake Antinioti. Gerald found endless wildlife to study there, and honestly, it’s easy to see why he never ran out of inspiration.
